TolkienGuide - On This Day
@otd.tolkienguide.com
an automated account sharing interesting Tolkien related events that happened "on this day" in the past
#OnThisDay in 1969, #Tolkien writes to Michael Tolkien.
Tolkien wishes he had an 'elven' grammar and vocabulary.
Tolkien wishes he had an 'elven' grammar and vocabulary.
Guide to Tolkien's Letters: J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
Tolkien wishes he had an 'elven' grammar and vocabulary.
www.tolkienguide.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:00 AM
#OnThisDay in 1969, #Tolkien writes to Michael Tolkien.
Tolkien wishes he had an 'elven' grammar and vocabulary.
Tolkien wishes he had an 'elven' grammar and vocabulary.
#OnThisDay in 1966, #Tolkien writes to Professor [Harry C.] Bauer.
Professor Bauer had written asking Tolkien about Sinclair Lewis's Babbitt. Tolkien wonders if the name had some influence on the invention of 'hobbit'. The letter was discussed in detail by John D. Rateliff in two blog (1/2)
Professor Bauer had written asking Tolkien about Sinclair Lewis's Babbitt. Tolkien wonders if the name had some influence on the invention of 'hobbit'. The letter was discussed in detail by John D. Rateliff in two blog (1/2)
Guide to Tolkien's Letters: J.R.R. Tolkien to Professor Bauer
Professor Bauer had written asking Tolkien about Sinclair Lewis's Babbitt. Tolkien wonders if the name had some influence on the invention of &apos...
www.tolkienguide.com
November 24, 2025 at 10:00 AM
#OnThisDay in 1966, #Tolkien writes to Professor [Harry C.] Bauer.
Professor Bauer had written asking Tolkien about Sinclair Lewis's Babbitt. Tolkien wonders if the name had some influence on the invention of 'hobbit'. The letter was discussed in detail by John D. Rateliff in two blog (1/2)
Professor Bauer had written asking Tolkien about Sinclair Lewis's Babbitt. Tolkien wonders if the name had some influence on the invention of 'hobbit'. The letter was discussed in detail by John D. Rateliff in two blog (1/2)
#OnThisDay in 1946, #Tolkien writes to Philip Unwin.
In reply to Philip Unwin's letter, #TCGLetter2528, Tolkien remarks that he would prefer not to be associated with advertising.
In reply to Philip Unwin's letter, #TCGLetter2528, Tolkien remarks that he would prefer not to be associated with advertising.
Guide to Tolkien's Letters: J.R.R. Tolkien to Philip Unwin
In reply to Philip Unwin's letter, #TCGLetter2528, Tolkien remarks that he would prefer not to be associated with advertising.
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November 23, 2025 at 10:00 AM
#OnThisDay in 1946, #Tolkien writes to Philip Unwin.
In reply to Philip Unwin's letter, #TCGLetter2528, Tolkien remarks that he would prefer not to be associated with advertising.
In reply to Philip Unwin's letter, #TCGLetter2528, Tolkien remarks that he would prefer not to be associated with advertising.
#OnThisDay in 1954, #Tolkien writes to Miss Perry.
Tolkien replies to Miss Perry, who had sent Tolkien a favourable review of The Lord of the Rings. He was very pleased and discusses it along with other publications. He likens The Lord of the Rings to The Battle of Maldon. He also makes (1/2)
Tolkien replies to Miss Perry, who had sent Tolkien a favourable review of The Lord of the Rings. He was very pleased and discusses it along with other publications. He likens The Lord of the Rings to The Battle of Maldon. He also makes (1/2)
Guide to Tolkien's Letters: J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss Perry
Tolkien replies to Miss Perry, who had sent Tolkien a favourable review of The Lord of the Rings. He was very pleased and discusses it along with other ...
www.tolkienguide.com
November 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM
#OnThisDay in 1954, #Tolkien writes to Miss Perry.
Tolkien replies to Miss Perry, who had sent Tolkien a favourable review of The Lord of the Rings. He was very pleased and discusses it along with other publications. He likens The Lord of the Rings to The Battle of Maldon. He also makes (1/2)
Tolkien replies to Miss Perry, who had sent Tolkien a favourable review of The Lord of the Rings. He was very pleased and discusses it along with other publications. He likens The Lord of the Rings to The Battle of Maldon. He also makes (1/2)
#OnThisDay in 1948, #Tolkien writes to Ronald Eames.
In reply to Eames' letter, #TCGLetter2695, Tolkien replies, remarking that Baynes is on the right track with her choices of subjects for Farmer Giles of Ham.
In reply to Eames' letter, #TCGLetter2695, Tolkien replies, remarking that Baynes is on the right track with her choices of subjects for Farmer Giles of Ham.
Guide to Tolkien's Letters: J.R.R. Tolkien to Ronald Eames
In reply to Eames' letter, #TCGLetter2695, Tolkien replies, remarking that Baynes is on the right track with her choices of subjects for Farmer Gil...
www.tolkienguide.com
November 21, 2025 at 10:00 AM
#OnThisDay in 1948, #Tolkien writes to Ronald Eames.
In reply to Eames' letter, #TCGLetter2695, Tolkien replies, remarking that Baynes is on the right track with her choices of subjects for Farmer Giles of Ham.
In reply to Eames' letter, #TCGLetter2695, Tolkien replies, remarking that Baynes is on the right track with her choices of subjects for Farmer Giles of Ham.
#OnThisDay in 1912, #Tolkien writes to Christopher Wiseman.
The contents of this letter are unknown, but John Garth, in Tolkien and the Great War notes this letter as an example of the nicknames the TCBS used for one another.
The contents of this letter are unknown, but John Garth, in Tolkien and the Great War notes this letter as an example of the nicknames the TCBS used for one another.
Guide to Tolkien's Letters: J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Wiseman
The contents of this letter are unknown, but John Garth, in Tolkien and the Great War notes this letter as an example of the nicknames the TCBS used for...
www.tolkienguide.com
November 20, 2025 at 10:00 AM
#OnThisDay in 1912, #Tolkien writes to Christopher Wiseman.
The contents of this letter are unknown, but John Garth, in Tolkien and the Great War notes this letter as an example of the nicknames the TCBS used for one another.
The contents of this letter are unknown, but John Garth, in Tolkien and the Great War notes this letter as an example of the nicknames the TCBS used for one another.
#OnThisDay in 1968, #Tolkien writes to Mrs. Ogden.
Tolkien discusses a recent leg injury and the kindness he received while in the hospital.
Tolkien discusses a recent leg injury and the kindness he received while in the hospital.
Guide to Tolkien's Letters: J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs. Ogden
Tolkien discusses a recent leg injury and the kindness he received while in the hospital.
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November 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM
#OnThisDay in 1968, #Tolkien writes to Mrs. Ogden.
Tolkien discusses a recent leg injury and the kindness he received while in the hospital.
Tolkien discusses a recent leg injury and the kindness he received while in the hospital.
#OnThisDay in 1966, #Tolkien writes to Donald Swann.
Tolkien invites the Swanns on the 20th December. They might be able to borrow the piano at a neighbour's house. He writes about melody. He discusses an interesting etymological puzzle in the book The Bloody Wood by Michael Innes (pen (1/2)
Tolkien invites the Swanns on the 20th December. They might be able to borrow the piano at a neighbour's house. He writes about melody. He discusses an interesting etymological puzzle in the book The Bloody Wood by Michael Innes (pen (1/2)
Guide to Tolkien's Letters: J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann
Tolkien invites the Swanns on the 20th December. They might be able to borrow the piano at a neighbour's house. He writes about melody. He discusse...
www.tolkienguide.com
November 18, 2025 at 10:00 AM
#OnThisDay in 1966, #Tolkien writes to Donald Swann.
Tolkien invites the Swanns on the 20th December. They might be able to borrow the piano at a neighbour's house. He writes about melody. He discusses an interesting etymological puzzle in the book The Bloody Wood by Michael Innes (pen (1/2)
Tolkien invites the Swanns on the 20th December. They might be able to borrow the piano at a neighbour's house. He writes about melody. He discusses an interesting etymological puzzle in the book The Bloody Wood by Michael Innes (pen (1/2)
#OnThisDay in 1937, #Tolkien writes to C.V. Salmon.
Tolkien replies to Salmon of the BBC who had written asking about Tolkien's interest in a BBC Radio programme on Beowulf. Tolkien would be very interested in discussing such a broadcast and says that he can make himself available most (1/2)
Tolkien replies to Salmon of the BBC who had written asking about Tolkien's interest in a BBC Radio programme on Beowulf. Tolkien would be very interested in discussing such a broadcast and says that he can make himself available most (1/2)
Guide to Tolkien's Letters: J.R.R. Tolkien to C.V. Salmon
Tolkien replies to Salmon of the BBC who had written asking about Tolkien's interest in a BBC Radio programme on Beowulf. Tolkien would be very int...
www.tolkienguide.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:00 AM
#OnThisDay in 1937, #Tolkien writes to C.V. Salmon.
Tolkien replies to Salmon of the BBC who had written asking about Tolkien's interest in a BBC Radio programme on Beowulf. Tolkien would be very interested in discussing such a broadcast and says that he can make himself available most (1/2)
Tolkien replies to Salmon of the BBC who had written asking about Tolkien's interest in a BBC Radio programme on Beowulf. Tolkien would be very interested in discussing such a broadcast and says that he can make himself available most (1/2)
Guide to Tolkien's Letters: J.R.R. Tolkien to Amy Ronald
Tolkien discusses his love of botany.
www.tolkienguide.com
November 16, 2025 at 10:00 AM
#OnThisDay in 1961, #Tolkien writes to Rayner Unwin.
Allen & Unwin agree to publish The Adventures of Tom Bombadil. Tolkien included version D3 of 'The Dragon's Visit'.
Allen & Unwin agree to publish The Adventures of Tom Bombadil. Tolkien included version D3 of 'The Dragon's Visit'.
Guide to Tolkien's Letters: J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
Allen & Unwin agree to publish The Adventures of Tom Bombadil. Tolkien included version D3 of 'The Dragon's Visit'.
www.tolkienguide.com
November 15, 2025 at 10:00 AM
#OnThisDay in 1961, #Tolkien writes to Rayner Unwin.
Allen & Unwin agree to publish The Adventures of Tom Bombadil. Tolkien included version D3 of 'The Dragon's Visit'.
Allen & Unwin agree to publish The Adventures of Tom Bombadil. Tolkien included version D3 of 'The Dragon's Visit'.
Guide to Tolkien's Letters: J.R.R. Tolkien to Amy Ronald
Amy sent Tolkien some Port and Sherry.
www.tolkienguide.com
November 14, 2025 at 10:00 AM
#OnThisDay in 1944, #Tolkien writes to Christopher Tolkien.
Tolkien had seen C.S. Lewis and he notes how Lewis had been interested in the “angelic question” which Tolkien had mentioned to him in an earlier letter.
Tolkien had seen C.S. Lewis and he notes how Lewis had been interested in the “angelic question” which Tolkien had mentioned to him in an earlier letter.
Guide to Tolkien's Letters: J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
Tolkien had seen C.S. Lewis and he notes how Lewis had been interested in the "angelic question" which Tolkien had mentioned to him in an earl...
www.tolkienguide.com
November 13, 2025 at 10:00 AM
#OnThisDay in 1944, #Tolkien writes to Christopher Tolkien.
Tolkien had seen C.S. Lewis and he notes how Lewis had been interested in the “angelic question” which Tolkien had mentioned to him in an earlier letter.
Tolkien had seen C.S. Lewis and he notes how Lewis had been interested in the “angelic question” which Tolkien had mentioned to him in an earlier letter.
#OnThisDay in 1949, #Tolkien writes to Miss R.W. How.
Tolkien notes the progress with having two large books, one being The Lord of the Rings, published. It has been accepted and is almost finished. Hammond/Scull note that the second must be The Silmarillion. Quotes were published from (1/3)
Tolkien notes the progress with having two large books, one being The Lord of the Rings, published. It has been accepted and is almost finished. Hammond/Scull note that the second must be The Silmarillion. Quotes were published from (1/3)
Guide to Tolkien's Letters: J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss R.W. How
Tolkien notes the progress with having two large books, one being The Lord of the Rings, published. It has been accepted and is almost finished. Hammond...
www.tolkienguide.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM
#OnThisDay in 1949, #Tolkien writes to Miss R.W. How.
Tolkien notes the progress with having two large books, one being The Lord of the Rings, published. It has been accepted and is almost finished. Hammond/Scull note that the second must be The Silmarillion. Quotes were published from (1/3)
Tolkien notes the progress with having two large books, one being The Lord of the Rings, published. It has been accepted and is almost finished. Hammond/Scull note that the second must be The Silmarillion. Quotes were published from (1/3)
#OnThisDay in 1944, #Tolkien writes to British Council.
A day earlier Tolkien wrote to Ragnar Furuskog on the matter of his work on the phonology of manuscript B of the Katherine Group. The following day he wrote a covering letter to the British Council and included this letter with the (1/4)
A day earlier Tolkien wrote to Ragnar Furuskog on the matter of his work on the phonology of manuscript B of the Katherine Group. The following day he wrote a covering letter to the British Council and included this letter with the (1/4)
Guide to Tolkien's Letters: J.R.R. Tolkien to British Council
A day earlier Tolkien wrote to Ragnar Furuskog on the matter of his work on the phonology of manuscript B of the Katherine Group. The following day he w...
www.tolkienguide.com
November 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM
#OnThisDay in 1944, #Tolkien writes to British Council.
A day earlier Tolkien wrote to Ragnar Furuskog on the matter of his work on the phonology of manuscript B of the Katherine Group. The following day he wrote a covering letter to the British Council and included this letter with the (1/4)
A day earlier Tolkien wrote to Ragnar Furuskog on the matter of his work on the phonology of manuscript B of the Katherine Group. The following day he wrote a covering letter to the British Council and included this letter with the (1/4)
#OnThisDay in 1955, #Tolkien writes to August Closs.
Tolkien writes that he is "very tired mentally" and decline to help with finishing Hannah Closs's book. He writes about his pacifist views and finally about reviews of The Lord of the Rings. He is pleased with the reviews and finishes (1/2)
Tolkien writes that he is "very tired mentally" and decline to help with finishing Hannah Closs's book. He writes about his pacifist views and finally about reviews of The Lord of the Rings. He is pleased with the reviews and finishes (1/2)
Guide to Tolkien's Letters: J.R.R. Tolkien to August Closs
Tolkien writes that he is "very tired mentally" and decline to help with finishing Hannah Closs's book. He writes about his pacifist view...
www.tolkienguide.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM
#OnThisDay in 1955, #Tolkien writes to August Closs.
Tolkien writes that he is "very tired mentally" and decline to help with finishing Hannah Closs's book. He writes about his pacifist views and finally about reviews of The Lord of the Rings. He is pleased with the reviews and finishes (1/2)
Tolkien writes that he is "very tired mentally" and decline to help with finishing Hannah Closs's book. He writes about his pacifist views and finally about reviews of The Lord of the Rings. He is pleased with the reviews and finishes (1/2)
#OnThisDay in 1972, #Tolkien writes to Mrs Meriel Thurston.
Tolkien is asked about Elvish names for bulls and herds of cattle.
Tolkien is asked about Elvish names for bulls and herds of cattle.
Guide to Tolkien's Letters: J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs Meriel Thurston
Tolkien is asked about Elvish names for bulls and herds of cattle.
www.tolkienguide.com
November 9, 2025 at 10:00 AM
#OnThisDay in 1972, #Tolkien writes to Mrs Meriel Thurston.
Tolkien is asked about Elvish names for bulls and herds of cattle.
Tolkien is asked about Elvish names for bulls and herds of cattle.
#OnThisDay in 1971, #Tolkien writes to Michael Tolkien.
Tolkien writes to Michael about how little time he has to work on The Silmarillion and about any prospects of feature films, he believes that no films will be produced in the near future.
Tolkien writes to Michael about how little time he has to work on The Silmarillion and about any prospects of feature films, he believes that no films will be produced in the near future.
Guide to Tolkien's Letters: J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
Tolkien writes to Michael about how little time he has to work on The Silmarillion and about any prospects of feature films, he believes that no films w...
www.tolkienguide.com
November 8, 2025 at 10:00 AM
#OnThisDay in 1971, #Tolkien writes to Michael Tolkien.
Tolkien writes to Michael about how little time he has to work on The Silmarillion and about any prospects of feature films, he believes that no films will be produced in the near future.
Tolkien writes to Michael about how little time he has to work on The Silmarillion and about any prospects of feature films, he believes that no films will be produced in the near future.
#OnThisDay in 1966, #Tolkien writes to Gene Wolfe.
Tolkien writes to Gene Wolf about the origin of "Orc" and "Warg". This letter was reproduced in Vector #67/68 (1974)
Tolkien writes to Gene Wolf about the origin of "Orc" and "Warg". This letter was reproduced in Vector #67/68 (1974)
Guide to Tolkien's Letters: J.R.R. Tolkien to Gene Wolfe
Tolkien writes to Gene Wolf about the origin of "Orc" and "Warg". This letter was reproduced in Vector #67/68 (1974)
www.tolkienguide.com
November 7, 2025 at 10:00 AM
#OnThisDay in 1966, #Tolkien writes to Gene Wolfe.
Tolkien writes to Gene Wolf about the origin of "Orc" and "Warg". This letter was reproduced in Vector #67/68 (1974)
Tolkien writes to Gene Wolf about the origin of "Orc" and "Warg". This letter was reproduced in Vector #67/68 (1974)
Guide to Tolkien's Letters: J.R.R. Tolkien to Alan Hill
Tolkien declines a dinner invitation.
www.tolkienguide.com
November 6, 2025 at 10:00 AM
#OnThisDay in 1956, #Tolkien writes to Mr Britten.
Tolkien answers some questions, on The Silmarillion and on Elvish sleep among more general queries. It is plainly suggested that Elves do ‘sleep’, but not in our mode, having a different relation to what we call ‘dreaming’. (1/3)
Tolkien answers some questions, on The Silmarillion and on Elvish sleep among more general queries. It is plainly suggested that Elves do ‘sleep’, but not in our mode, having a different relation to what we call ‘dreaming’. (1/3)
Guide to Tolkien's Letters: J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr Britten
Tolkien answers some questions, on The Silmarillion and on Elvish sleep among more general queries. It is plainly suggested that Elves do 'sleep&ap...
www.tolkienguide.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:00 AM
#OnThisDay in 1956, #Tolkien writes to Mr Britten.
Tolkien answers some questions, on The Silmarillion and on Elvish sleep among more general queries. It is plainly suggested that Elves do ‘sleep’, but not in our mode, having a different relation to what we call ‘dreaming’. (1/3)
Tolkien answers some questions, on The Silmarillion and on Elvish sleep among more general queries. It is plainly suggested that Elves do ‘sleep’, but not in our mode, having a different relation to what we call ‘dreaming’. (1/3)
#OnThisDay in 1961, #Tolkien writes to Joyce Reeves.
Tolkien talks about his pre-WWI trip to the Alps.
Tolkien talks about his pre-WWI trip to the Alps.
Guide to Tolkien's Letters: J.R.R. Tolkien to Joyce Reeves
Tolkien talks about his pre-WWI trip to the Alps.
www.tolkienguide.com
November 4, 2025 at 10:00 AM
#OnThisDay in 1961, #Tolkien writes to Joyce Reeves.
Tolkien talks about his pre-WWI trip to the Alps.
Tolkien talks about his pre-WWI trip to the Alps.
#OnThisDay in 1972, #Tolkien writes to Graham Tayar.
Tolkien declines the invitation previously accepted due to ill health.
Tolkien declines the invitation previously accepted due to ill health.
Guide to Tolkien's Letters: J.R.R. Tolkien to Graham Tayar
Tolkien declines the invitation previously accepted due to ill health.
www.tolkienguide.com
November 3, 2025 at 10:00 AM
#OnThisDay in 1972, #Tolkien writes to Graham Tayar.
Tolkien declines the invitation previously accepted due to ill health.
Tolkien declines the invitation previously accepted due to ill health.
#OnThisDay in 1962, #Tolkien writes to Rayner Unwin.
Tolkien says that, as Rayner knows, The Adventures of Tom Bombadil began, with his Aunt Jane. He asks that a complimentary copy be sent to her and charged against his account. Rayner had asked Tolkien for an update on Pearl and Sir (1/3)
Tolkien says that, as Rayner knows, The Adventures of Tom Bombadil began, with his Aunt Jane. He asks that a complimentary copy be sent to her and charged against his account. Rayner had asked Tolkien for an update on Pearl and Sir (1/3)
Guide to Tolkien's Letters: J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
Tolkien says that, as Rayner knows, The Adventures of Tom Bombadil began, with his Aunt Jane. He asks that a complimentary copy be sent to her and charg...
www.tolkienguide.com
November 2, 2025 at 10:00 AM
#OnThisDay in 1962, #Tolkien writes to Rayner Unwin.
Tolkien says that, as Rayner knows, The Adventures of Tom Bombadil began, with his Aunt Jane. He asks that a complimentary copy be sent to her and charged against his account. Rayner had asked Tolkien for an update on Pearl and Sir (1/3)
Tolkien says that, as Rayner knows, The Adventures of Tom Bombadil began, with his Aunt Jane. He asks that a complimentary copy be sent to her and charged against his account. Rayner had asked Tolkien for an update on Pearl and Sir (1/3)
#OnThisDay in 1944, #Tolkien writes to Christopher Tolkien.
Tolkien was interested to hear that Christopher had run into “another of the Unwins”, Harold Unwin, a.k.a Chris. He says that Rayner was at Blackwells, but he had not been aware of it at the time. He notes that by the time (1/2)
Tolkien was interested to hear that Christopher had run into “another of the Unwins”, Harold Unwin, a.k.a Chris. He says that Rayner was at Blackwells, but he had not been aware of it at the time. He notes that by the time (1/2)
Guide to Tolkien's Letters: J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
Tolkien was interested to hear that Christopher had run into "another of the Unwins", Harold Unwin, a.k.a Chris. He says that Rayner was at Bl...
www.tolkienguide.com
November 1, 2025 at 10:00 AM
#OnThisDay in 1944, #Tolkien writes to Christopher Tolkien.
Tolkien was interested to hear that Christopher had run into “another of the Unwins”, Harold Unwin, a.k.a Chris. He says that Rayner was at Blackwells, but he had not been aware of it at the time. He notes that by the time (1/2)
Tolkien was interested to hear that Christopher had run into “another of the Unwins”, Harold Unwin, a.k.a Chris. He says that Rayner was at Blackwells, but he had not been aware of it at the time. He notes that by the time (1/2)